Margaret K. from Summerfield, Florida, has never been to The Miraculous Medal Shrine in Philadelphia and had never heard of Fr. Joseph A. Skelly, CM, who founded the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal (CAMM) in 1915. Yet, Margaret informed the Shrine that she named CAMM as one of many beneficiaries in her will, which automatically enrolled her in the Fr. Skelly Society at the Shrine. We recently contacted Margaret (who only wants her first name mentioned) to ask her why she included CAMM in her estate planning.

“I have great love for the Blessed Mother,” Margaret says. “She’s been helpful and instrumental in my life, and to remember her when I’m gone seems like a nice gesture. That’s why I did it.”

When asked why she’s donating to a Shrine she’s never visited, Margaret said she learned of our mission through our mailings, publications, and website, and wanted to help spread devotion to Our Lady and her Miraculous Medal.

Margaret’s planned giving honors Our Lady, and in appreciation, the Shrine honors Margaret’s generosity by enrolling her in the Fr. Skelly Society, which is reserved for those who include CAMM in their estate planning. As a member of the Fr. Skelly Society, Margaret receives:

• A Perpetual Membership in the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal
• A personalized Membership Certificate
• A remembrance in 2,500 Masses per year for the rest of her life, and forever after her death
• A plaque, with her name engraved on it, placed on the Fr. Skelly Wall in the Shrine
• The Miraculous Medal Message magazine two times a year
• The joy of promoting devotion to Mary for future generations, and knowing her cherished values live on at The Miraculous Medal Shrine

Margaret appreciates the many blessings that come with being in the Fr. Skelly Society. “The Shrine is dedicated to Mary, and anytime I asked for anything in my life, Our Lady answered. It has been that way my whole life. She’s looked after me, so I will look after her Shrine in the small way that I can.”